RealGM Top 100 List #23
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2014 10:19 pm
CENTERS
George Mikan who is the only player left that was the undisputed best player in basketball for a reasonably long stretch of time (5 years +). But, his era was the last vestige of white only, no shot-clock basketball, and he started to decline by age 25 which is really early; rule changes that other players could deal with seem to have been a bigger problem for him. Artis Gilmore is the next great two-way center here with the lack of progress by Dwight Howard since the last list (over Alonzo Mourning and Mel Daniels who were very similar players); probably Dikembe Mutombo the best defensive specialist.
FORWARDS
Baylor, McHale, Pippen, Havlicek, Rodman, and even Kevin Durant. Interested to see who starts getting support. Baylor seemed to have efficiency issues even for his day (which started after Pettit's so less excusable), McHale is super efficient but worked against single teams in the post more than any great post scorer in history and was a mediocre defensive rebounder (though the presence of Larry Bird that gave him so many single teams also stole some rebounds from him). Pippen does everything well, but has some issues with clutch situations and mental fragility. Havlicek seems to have nerves (and lungs) of steel but was even more inefficient through the mid 70s than Baylor. Rodman is the GOAT rebounder, but also a disruptive force and barely above the Ben Wallace level offensively, and Durant's career is just starting. A lot of talent, a lot of questions.
GUARDS
Wade or Frazier. Wade is the most explosive scorer and plays excellent defense, Frazier didn't score as much but was an even better defender and playmaker, and even more known for stepping up and dominating 2 NBA finals. This one is very close; I lean Frazier over Wade but willing to be convinced. I see Clyde as a step up over Nash and Stockton for his ability to take over games with both his scoring and defense, over Payton, Kidd, or Isiah for his scoring efficiency and superior all around game. Both Wade and Frazier do suffer a little from short or injury riddled primes though here also, Frazier was the guy you could count on through his prime where Wade was often hurt. I hadn't put Chris Paul on this list but he should probably be considered as well, though he hasn't as yet shown me the ability to elevate his team that I've seen in Frazier and Wade despite his prettier stats than either.
With the questions about Mikan and the forwards, I am leaning to either Dwyane Wade or Walt Frazier. Based on his finals heroics, the way his teams in NY (of all places) ran like well oiled machines with almost no ego problems, superior durability, and the fact that as a fan, I feared facing him more than I did Wade, I will cast a tentative vote for:
WALT FRAZIER
George Mikan who is the only player left that was the undisputed best player in basketball for a reasonably long stretch of time (5 years +). But, his era was the last vestige of white only, no shot-clock basketball, and he started to decline by age 25 which is really early; rule changes that other players could deal with seem to have been a bigger problem for him. Artis Gilmore is the next great two-way center here with the lack of progress by Dwight Howard since the last list (over Alonzo Mourning and Mel Daniels who were very similar players); probably Dikembe Mutombo the best defensive specialist.
FORWARDS
Baylor, McHale, Pippen, Havlicek, Rodman, and even Kevin Durant. Interested to see who starts getting support. Baylor seemed to have efficiency issues even for his day (which started after Pettit's so less excusable), McHale is super efficient but worked against single teams in the post more than any great post scorer in history and was a mediocre defensive rebounder (though the presence of Larry Bird that gave him so many single teams also stole some rebounds from him). Pippen does everything well, but has some issues with clutch situations and mental fragility. Havlicek seems to have nerves (and lungs) of steel but was even more inefficient through the mid 70s than Baylor. Rodman is the GOAT rebounder, but also a disruptive force and barely above the Ben Wallace level offensively, and Durant's career is just starting. A lot of talent, a lot of questions.
GUARDS
Wade or Frazier. Wade is the most explosive scorer and plays excellent defense, Frazier didn't score as much but was an even better defender and playmaker, and even more known for stepping up and dominating 2 NBA finals. This one is very close; I lean Frazier over Wade but willing to be convinced. I see Clyde as a step up over Nash and Stockton for his ability to take over games with both his scoring and defense, over Payton, Kidd, or Isiah for his scoring efficiency and superior all around game. Both Wade and Frazier do suffer a little from short or injury riddled primes though here also, Frazier was the guy you could count on through his prime where Wade was often hurt. I hadn't put Chris Paul on this list but he should probably be considered as well, though he hasn't as yet shown me the ability to elevate his team that I've seen in Frazier and Wade despite his prettier stats than either.
With the questions about Mikan and the forwards, I am leaning to either Dwyane Wade or Walt Frazier. Based on his finals heroics, the way his teams in NY (of all places) ran like well oiled machines with almost no ego problems, superior durability, and the fact that as a fan, I feared facing him more than I did Wade, I will cast a tentative vote for:
WALT FRAZIER